Judo is fun

by Peter Twitchell

Judo is fun! As in all sports a strict set of rules governs competition at all skills ensuring safety from club to national tournaments to Olympic games.
Judo is best known for its spectacular throwing skills and techniques but also involves considerable grappling on the ground utilizing specialized pins, control holds, arm locks and judo choking techniques.
Judo develops self-discipline and respect for one’s self and others. Judo provides the means for learning self-discipline, concentration, and leadership skills, as well as physical coordination, power and flexibility.
As a sport that has evolved from a fighting art, it develops complete body control, find balance, and fast reflective action. Above all, it develops a person’s mind and sharp reacting mind well-coordinated with body, giving a person of all ages – young boys and girls to sixty years of age, an inexpensive year round activity that appeals to persons of all walks of life.
Disabled persons can participate together in learning and practicing the sport. There are separate weight divisions for men and women, boys and girls. Judo training gives a person an effective self-defense system if the need arises.
Thanks to Warren Polk for bringing the young people from the Kuskokwim Learning Academy in Bethel to the Mat-Su Judo tournament in Wasilla, AK. It was good to see a white belt beat the color belt of a higher level judo contestant on Saturday, 17 November 2018 at the Wasilla Middle School gym.
I really enjoyed the event. I felt my body tense up as it became infused in mind, body, and spirit. Congratulations to all participants of KLA.